AMS Contemplative Spirituality - Cat AMS 202 - Year II 2025
This course is offered to accepted students in the Advanced Ministry Studies program. And serves as formal ongoing formation for any person serving in any ministry in the Church. E.g.: Pastors, Deacons, Master Catechists, Parish Catechetical Leaders, etc. Ongoing Formation fee $25.00 when using the code below. Course fee $50.00
SKU: AMS-YEAR 2 09-20-2025
Advanced Ministry Studies
CATECHETICAL YEAR
Contemplative Spirituality
Contemplation in Action: A Spirituality for the Transformation of Self and Society
Course Description
This class will introduce students to contemplative spirituality by exploring the Christian mystical tradition as ancient interior pathway for awakening to a “life-transforming realization of oneness with God” (Finley). Students will gain a deeper understanding of the history, theology, and central figures of the tradition, will engage in core practices of Christian meditation, and will explore the dynamic between contemplation and embodied non-violent actions on behalf of peace and social justice. Special attention will be given to the writings of Fr. Thomas Merton as well as to the spiritual practice of Centering Prayer as a discipline that is conducive to the transformation of self and society.
Course code: Cat AMS 202
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Breaks and Lunch time included)
Format: In-Person Class
San Fernando Region Pastoral Center
15101 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345
Professors: Sergio Lopez, MA in Religious Studies and MA in Organizational Leadership
Sergio Lopez is a husband, a father, a contemplative social activist, and a leadership educator with more than 15 years of experience supporting people-powered social change initiatives. Sergio’s mission is to leverage the power of the soul to help changemakers and their organizations build their capacity for creating a more just and peaceful world. He currently serves as a Sr. Trainer for Leadership Development at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), is an associate leadership consultant with the Center for Nonprofit Leaders, and teaches pastoral leadership at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Sergio holds an MA degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University as well as an MA degree in Religious Studies from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles. He specializes in the areas of leadership development, faith-based activism, contemplative spiritualities, and peaceful masculinities. Sergio, his wife Ellie, and their family live in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
Notes:
- Please register as soon as possible as this course requires pre-reading material.
- This class is eligible for ongoing formation. Those not registered in the Advanced Ministry Studies but would like to take the class as an ongoing formation please use discount code: AMS-Cat202-25 for a 50% discount.
